Sighting of Moon and concept of Eid
The holy month for Muslims begins after the sighting of the moon and the witnesses check the genuineness of the moon sighting. The Muslims consider moon sighting really important especially during Ramadan and Eid. Universal moon sighting and local sighting are the two concepts on which Eid is based. The moon sighting in Saudi Arabia follows is the universal concept whereas the local sighting follows the areas respectively. The Islamic dates are basically determined by new moon.
The importance of crescent sighting was emphasized by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in determining the beginning and ending of the holy month of Ramadan. The months were established by the witnesses. According to the scholars, two trustworthy Muslim witnesses are adequate to establish the moon sighting. The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H) said, “If two just Muslims testify, then fast or break your fast.”
The astronomical evidence is also of great importance and the main factors for crescent visibility are equally significant. An important factor is the age of the moon. Moon’s altitude above the horizon is another vital factor. We should examine the claims of sighting from the knowledge Allah has given us. Several misconceptions are there regarding moon sighting. The first misconception is that the 29th day moon is always thin and the 30th day moon is always thick whereas the 30th day moon of one month is almost the same thickness of the 29th day moon of the other month.
The revolution of the moon around the earth is in an indirect orbit in which it is sometimes closer to the earth and sometimes farther. Another misconception is that the full moon occurs on the 14th night. The full moon can happen at any moment of the day or night. Another very widespread misconception is that the testimonies of those who claim that they have seen the moon are not confirmed.
Furthermore, the sighting of the crescents can only be determined through naked eye and the local timings for prayer could be followed. A new Islamic month begins when the new moon is seen regardless of whether it occurred before or after the actual sighting.
